A Celtic transfer exit deal for Matt O'Riley to join Southampton is reportedly 'far away' despite interest from the newly promoted Premier League side.
It's understood manager Russell Martin is keen on a deal to sign O'Riley having previously signed the player for MK Dons.
However, according to the Southern Daily Echo, a major stumbling block in any potential move would be personal terms.
Previous reports have claimed Southampton are ready to break the Scottish transfer record - in the region of £25m Jota - in order to sign O'Riley.
But the Daily Echo reports any transfer deal is still a long way off with Southampton needing to convince O'Riley to make the switch from Parkhead to St Mary's.
It's thought a transfer fee agreement could be reached but there are major question marks over whether a contract would be negotiated between O'Riley and the club.
It's reported the player would command a larger wage than would be offered by Southampton.
O'Riley, 23, has gained plenty of attention from clubs in England, as well as abroad, since his £1.5m switch from MK Dons to Celtic in January 2022.
Atletico Madrid and Roma are among the other clubs to be linked with an approach for the playmaker.
The Scottish Premiership champions have previously rejected bids from Atletico for their star man in January, with Brendan Rodgers unwilling to part with one of his best players at that time.
With two months of the summer window remaining though, speculation surrounding O'Riley is only likely to increase off the back of a stunning campaign with the Hoops. He scored 19 goals and made 18 assists in all competitions last term.
